Verita - The Guardian of Darkness

34

"I know you want to do the right thing for Gratia and I acknowledge your dedication. But obligation only goes so far."

"I don't believe you have any right to say that."

She shook her head the tiniest bit, almost unconsciously. "Quit the nonsense. I was facing death – you are facing imprisonment. I know what I'd prefer."

For once, he seemed a little speechless. Aetrian's provocative grin had vanished, leaving behind an emptiness in his features which he didn't quite know how to fill.

"What if we can't separate because of the political situation?", she continued in a forceful tone. "Won't we end up trapped? Can you deny that it might become a life like the one your mother had?"

"Don't worry about us being stuck with each other like caged animals. We've had fun, haven't we?" His frown deepened, as he continued to disect her worries. "In the first place, we're using each other. It's nothing like my mother's situation which was entirely one-sided."

Theoretically, he wasn't wrong. Political marriages had ensured stability for much longer than their kingdoms' millennium of separation. Still, Elanthin felt uncomfortable with the idea of marrying anyone; not to speak of  Aetrian, who was head of house Gratia and someone whom she had expected  to chop off her head mere weeks ago.

She would have to share a life with the house of Gratia, the person she'd considered her mortal enemy for most of her life. Which meant, in more detail, she'd have to eat with him, talk to him, attend events and celebrations in sparkly Gratian palaces with him and she'd have to sleep in the same bed with him, which –

"It's just ... I wasn't expecting this when I came here. It's overwhelming to even think about", she blurted out, before she could finish the thought. In this very second, it felt too foreign, to strange for her to continue. Not to mention that an array of not unpleasant but highly inappropriate imagery had begun to creep into her mind.

"I fully understand that, Elle, and I won't force you to say yes to me. I wouldn't. I probably couldn't", he paused for a little grin at this point, "since you've got your swords and all those scars and I just have a little magic powder in my sleeves. But you should know it's not a sudden decision in my case."

What does that mean?, she thought uneasy. Had he been planning to dissolve house Gratia in this manner long before she'd crossed the Eternal Barrier?

His tone got more stern, almost as if he was becoming stubborn under her distrustful scrutiny. "I've told you that I've admired you since the first time we met and – if we must speak of obligation – I do respect your dedication. You're the type to forego your own pride and wishes if it's for the good of your people. That tells me you're merciful and ... you will glare at me for saying this, but I do think it tells me you're kind, perhaps to a fault."

While speaking, Aetrian had pushed himself off the chair and started to cross the distance between their chairs in a prowling manner. His moves were slow and calculating, as if he was waiting for her to jump up and run to the door. 

The embroidery's golden thread on his robe reflected the fire's glow with every step, making it  shimmer until he stopped right in front of her armchair.

"So  you're thinking that I'll make a good business partner?", inferred Elanthin with a sudden harshness which she hadn't expected herself. She had to bend her head back to continue looking at him as he leaned closer. "I can see how I'm a safe choice now; I'll deliver you the Plains and in case something adverse happens in the future, I'd continue to sacrifice for that grand empire you dream of."